How to Retrieve .CAD Files Lost After a Sudden System Crash

Have files been deleted due to a user’s error or software error? Have you formatted a disk by accident and need to know how to recover the files? Read our .CAD file recovery guide for Windows, MacOS, Android and IOS in 2024.

How to Retrieve .CAD Files Lost After a Sudden System Crash

What is a .CAD file?

File created by BobCAD-CAM CAD design products; stores CAD data including the 2D and 3D part geometry and dimensions; used for designing parts and products for manufacturing.

What Are Common Causes of ".CAD" Files Lost or Failure?

There are several common causes of ".CAD" files lost or failure:

  1. Hardware failure: If there is a malfunction or failure in the computer's hard drive, it can result in the loss of ".CAD" files.
  2. Software issues: Problems with the CAD software itself, such as bugs, glitches, or compatibility issues, can lead to file corruption or loss.
  3. Human error: Accidental deletion, overwriting, or improper handling of ".CAD" files by users can cause their loss.
  4. Power outages: Sudden power outages or electrical surges can interrupt the saving process and result in file corruption or loss.
  5. Virus or malware attacks: Malicious software can infect ".CAD" files and render them unusable or delete them entirely.
  6. Storage media failure: If the storage device where ".CAD" files are stored, such as a hard drive or USB drive, fails or becomes damaged, the files can be lost.
  7. Network issues: If ".CAD" files are stored on a network server, issues with the network connection or server failure can lead to file loss.
  8. Improper file transfer: If ".CAD" files are not transferred correctly, such as interrupted downloads or incomplete uploads, they can be lost or corrupted.
  9. Operating system issues: Problems with the operating system, such as crashes or software conflicts, can result in ".CAD" file loss or failure.
  10. Natural disasters: Events like fires, floods, or earthquakes can physically damage the storage devices where ".CAD" files are stored, leading to their loss.

How to recover lost ".CAD" files?

Sometimes while working with a computer, laptop or other stationary or mobile devices, you may encounter various bugs, freezes, hardware or software failures, even in spite of regular updates and junk cleaning. As a result, an important ".CAD" file may be deleted.

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🧺 How to Recover Files and Folders After Sending Them to the Recycle Bin and Deleting? (Windows 11)

🧺 How to Recover Files and Folders After Sending Them to the Recycle Bin and Deleting? (Windows 11)

By no means should you think that the only way to recover a ".CAD" file is always to create it once more.

Use programs for recovering ".CAD" files if a file was lost after accidental or deliberate deleting, formatting the memory card or the internal storage, cleaning the storage device, after a virus attack or a system failure.

Programs to recover ".CAD" files

Looking for a way to get files back? In cases when files were deleted and they cannot be restored by using standard operating system tools, use Hetman Partition Recovery.

Partition Recovery™ 4.9
The tool recovers data from any devices, regardless of the cause of data loss.
Download

Follow the directions below:

  1. Download Hetman Partition Recovery, install and start the program.

  2. The program will automatically scan the computer and display all hard disks and removable drives connected to it, as well as physical and local disks.

    File Recovery Software
  3. Double-click on the disk from which you need to recover ".CAD" files, and select analysis type.

    Hetman Partition Recovery - Analysis Type
  4. When the scanning is over, you will be shown the files for recovery.

    Hetman Partition Recovery - Files that Can be Restored
  5. To find a file you need, use the program’s interface to open the folder it was deleted from, or go to the folder "Content-Aware Analysis" and select the required file type.

    Hetman Partition Recovery - Deep Scan
  6. Select the files you have been looking for and click "Recovery".

    File Recovery Software - Files List for Recovery
  7. Choose one of the methods for saving the files and recover them.

    Saving recovered files in Hetman Partition Recovery

How to open file with ".CAD" extension?

Looking for how to open a stereo bobCAD-CAM File image file file?

Programs that open ".CAD" files

Windows
BobCAD-CAM BobCAD-CAM

Additional Information

  • File type: BobCAD-CAM File

  • File extension: .CAD

  • Developer: BobCAD-CAM

  • Category: CAD Files

  • Format: N/A

  • HEX: 0A 00 00 00 00 0B 03

  • File types that use the extension .CAD:

    • BobCAD-CAM File

    • Autodesk QuickCAD File

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Comments (1)

  • Hetman Software: Data Recovery
    Hetman Software: Data Recovery 18.12.2019 16:52 #
    Leave a comment if you have any questions about Recovering lost .CAD files after deleting, cleaning or formatting!
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Vladimir Artiukh

Author: Vladimir Artiukh, Technical Writer

Vladimir Artiukh is a technical writer for Hetman Software, as well as the voice and face of their English-speaking YouTube channel, Hetman Software: Data Recovery for Windows. He handles tutorials, how-tos, and detailed reviews on how the company’s tools work with all kinds of data storage devices.

Oleg Afonin

Editor: Oleg Afonin, Technical Writer

Oleg Afonin is an expert in mobile forensics, data recovery and computer systems. He often attends large data security conferences, and writes several blogs for such resources as xaker.ru, Elcomsoft and Habr. In addition to his online activities, Oleg’s articles are also published in professional magazines. Also, Oleg Afonin is the co-author of a well-known book, Mobile Forensics - Advanced Investigative Strategies.

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Questions and answers

  • What are some common reasons for encountering problems when opening .CAD files?

    Some common reasons for encountering problems when opening .CAD files include:

    1. Incompatible software: If the CAD file was created using a different version of CAD software or a different CAD software altogether, it may not be compatible with the software being used to open it. This can result in errors or the file not opening at all.
    2. File corruption: CAD files can become corrupted due to various reasons such as incomplete downloads, file transfer errors, or hardware issues. Corrupted files may not open properly or may display errors when attempting to open them.
    3. Missing or incompatible file dependencies: CAD files often rely on external references or dependencies such as fonts, images, or other files. If these dependencies are missing or incompatible, it can cause problems when opening the CAD file.
    4. Insufficient system resources: CAD files can be large and complex, requiring significant system resources to open and display properly. If the computer does not have enough memory, processing power, or graphics capabilities, it may struggle to open the file or display it correctly.
    5. Licensing or authorization issues: Some CAD software may require a valid license or authorization to open certain file types. If the license is expired or not properly activated, it can prevent the file from opening.
    6. File format issues: CAD files can be saved in various formats, such as .DWG, .DXF, or .DGN. If the file format is not supported by the software being used to open it, it may result in errors or the file not opening.
    7. Operating system compatibility: Different CAD software may have different compatibility requirements with operating systems. If the software is not compatible with the operating system being used, it may encounter problems when opening the CAD file.
    8. User error: Sometimes, the problem may be caused by user error, such as attempting to open the wrong file, using incorrect file extensions, or not following the correct file opening procedures.

    It is important to ensure that the CAD software and system meet the necessary requirements, keep software and drivers up to date, and regularly backup files to minimize the chances of encountering problems when opening CAD files.

  • What steps can be taken to troubleshoot and fix issues with opening .CAD files?
    1. Confirm file compatibility: Ensure that the CAD software you are using supports the file format of the .CAD file you are trying to open. Different CAD software may have different file format requirements.
    2. Update software: Make sure your CAD software is up to date with the latest version. Sometimes, older versions may have compatibility issues with newer file formats.
    3. Check file integrity: Verify if the .CAD file is not corrupted or damaged. Try opening other CAD files to see if the issue is specific to a particular file or a general problem.
    4. Try different software: If you are unable to open the .CAD file with your current CAD software, try using a different CAD software that supports the file format. There are various CAD software options available, both free and paid, which may have better compatibility.
    5. Convert file format: If you have access to another CAD software, try converting the .CAD file to a different format (such as .DWG or .DXF) that is widely supported by most CAD software. Then, attempt to open the converted file.
    6. Repair or reinstall software: If the issue persists, try repairing or reinstalling the CAD software. This can help fix any software-related issues that may be preventing the .CAD files from opening.
    7. Check for file dependencies: Some .CAD files may rely on external references, such as linked files or libraries. Ensure that all the necessary dependencies are present and accessible in the correct locations.
    8. Seek professional help: If none of the above steps work, it may be helpful to contact the technical support team of the CAD software you are using. They can provide specific guidance and troubleshooting steps tailored to your software and file format.

    Remember to always back up your files before attempting any troubleshooting steps to avoid any potential data loss.

  • Are there any specific software or tools that can help resolve problems with opening .CAD files?

    Yes, there are several software and tools that can help resolve problems with opening .CAD files. Some of the commonly used ones are:

    1. AutoCAD: AutoCAD is a popular CAD software that can open and edit .CAD files. It is capable of handling various CAD formats and provides troubleshooting options for file compatibility issues.
    2. FreeCAD: FreeCAD is a free and open-source CAD software that supports various CAD file formats, including .CAD. It provides tools to troubleshoot and resolve issues related to opening and editing CAD files.
    3. DraftSight: DraftSight is a professional-grade 2D CAD software that supports .CAD files. It offers troubleshooting options to resolve file compatibility issues and provides solutions for opening and editing CAD files.
    4. SolidWorks: SolidWorks is a widely used CAD software that supports various CAD file formats, including .CAD. It provides troubleshooting tools to diagnose and fix issues related to opening and working with CAD files.
    5. Online CAD viewers: There are several online CAD viewers available that can help open and view .CAD files without the need for specific software installations. These viewers often provide troubleshooting options to resolve compatibility issues.

    Additionally, if you are facing issues with a specific .CAD file, you can try converting it to a different CAD format using file conversion tools. Sometimes, converting the file format can help resolve compatibility problems.

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